If I use Google image search to download an image for use in a professional document is it illegal?

I am designing a menu with a sports bar theme. I downloaded some images of basketballs, soccer balls, a baseball field, and boxing gloves on the ropes of a ring with a boxer in the background.

yes, it is illegal since you are using it for commercial purpose. but if you are really in need you should ask the image owners for permission before using them.

Most likely since most images on Google images are copyright protected. Would you get in trouble? Very unlikely.

Easy answer.... "It depends".

All images are copyright, and the copyright belongs to the person who created them.

However..... a lot of just simple 'clip art' that's on the web has been placed in the public domain by the people who put it up. Look at the website each image came from to see what it says.

Richard

All images are copyrighted when they are taken and you would need permissions of the photographer(s) to use their images. Google probably knows and could provide you with the information on who the photographer is but it would be up to you to get WRITTEN permission to use the images.